A bill establishing an advisory commission to explore the development of the clean energy industry in South Carolina has been passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Nikki Haley.
Law H.3125 tasks
the commission, which will act under the S.C. Department of Commerce, to analyze and recommend ways to enhance the clean energy manufacturing sector in the Palmetto State. The 14-member panel would assist in the development of new manufacturing supply chains and markets for
clean energy technology, materials and products according to the S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance.
The panel will include the secretary of Commerce and the director of the Energy Office or their designees. The Commerce secretary would choose 12 members representing clean
energy industries, utilities and educational institutions.
The commission would develop two reports: an initial report due by Dec. 31 and then a final report due by Sept. 30, 2015.
The reports would analyze the state's existing clean energy manufacturing industry; job
development potential; and market potential in South Carolina, other states or foreign countries for technology, materials and products developed by a clean energy industry in the state.
The reports also would cover existing state incentives and ones that could be developed; incentives
in other states; benchmarks to increase clean energy manufacturing in South Carolina; and public education and marketing programs that could be implemented. After issuing its September 2015 report, the commission would be dissolved unless reauthorized by the
legislature.
"This is an amazing achievement,” said Jim Poch, executive director of the S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance. The alliance was founded to make South Carolina a hub in the “clean energy manufacturing industry, and passing this legislation represents
a significant milestone in our mission," Poch said.
Haley signed the legislation on Friday.